The massive upsurge in rocket fire from Gaza has also been a major cause of concern, leading defense officials in January to assess the Egyptian-brokered post-Operation Pillar of Defense ceasefire as moot and dead. According to IDF Radio (Galei Tzahal), as of January 17, 17 rockets had been fired from Gaza in 2014, making the rate one per day.

The situation has reached a point where United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, agreed this Wednesday that the ceasefire is eroding. He remarked “I am worried we are seeing more and more signs that the understanding on a ceasefire reached in November 2012 is eroding in both of its main requirements – the end of all hostilities and the opening of the crossings for people and goods."